Launched in January, Kindwood may become known as the UK’s most sustainable wood fuel brand.
Founder Taylor Gathercole is building a purpose-led, consumer branded solid fuel company that cuts waste, captures carbon and provides “kind comfort” for mankind.
Kindwood is produced using 100% renewable energy throughout its processes, with waste heat from an on-site biogas plant captured to cut down drying time from 18+ months to 4-5 days, taking no energy from the national grid. The system also ensures consistency in the supply of kiln dried logs with 20% or less moisture content.
The wood Kindwood sources comes only from ancient semi-natural woodlands or sites of significant interest within an 80-mile radius of the Kindwood yard, using modern-day sustainable management practices to ensure the woodlands continue to thrive, maintaining biodiversity.
Packaging is either reusable or 100% recycled or recyclable. For example, the crates are ex-fruit or vegetable crates from local farms and orchards, while the latest ‘Hessian Sack of Logs’ uses jute.
“The crates are what started Kindwood,” said Taylor Gathercole. “We wanted to find a way of packaging our wood that would further promote sustainability. So, while we offer the comfort experience, we also encourage our customers to do something creative with the packaging. We’ve got several customers turning their little crates into outdoor planters, bookshelves, and even bedside tables.”
Kindwood believes the fire log industry has stood still for too long and needs to start taking environmental and social issues seriously, looking beyond the material’s carbon neutrality and inwards at its processes. “Wood being a renewable resource is not enough to mitigate the carbon footprint a company can create throughout its supply chain,” added Gathercole.
You will be able to find Kindwood’s products at this year’s Garden Show (Ideal Home Show) on a garden designed by Lynne Lambourne to showcase sustainability.
For more information, click here.